Home
Cuba
PLAN MY VISIT
Cuba Destinations HotelsThings to do Transport Maps Vacations Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →
  1. Home
  2. Cuba
  3. Destinations
  4. Central Cuba

Trinidad, Cuba

Trinidad is a charming, colonial city in central Cuba. Its cobblestone streets, historic houses, and lively atmosphere help make it a top destination in Cuba.

HOTELS
Similar places: City  Coast  Historic  Nature  Nightlife  Top Destinations 
Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba
←→

Located 50 miles (80 km) east of Cienfuegos, Trinidad is a well-preserved colonial city set along the southern shores of Cuba. The city is backed by the forested Sierra Escambray and fronted by a lovely section of the Caribbean. The town is like something out of a postcard, with classic cars, cobblestone streets, and quaint cafes. Trinidad’s narrow streets are lined with pastel-colored houses, many of which date back to the 18th century. You’ll see locals strolling alongside men on horseback, and neighbors chatting in front of their homes. Trinidad is really very special—it’s no wonder that the whole city is a national monument.

That said, it’s good to be upfront about how touristy Trinidad is. Foreigners love this city, and you’ll see them in most places around town. However, this is truly a wonderful city, and it’s understandable why most travelers want to include it on their Cuban itinerary.

Diego de Velázquez founded Trinidad in 1514. The Spanish built a gold mine here, and also used the town as a base for ships heading off to conquer Mexico’s Aztec empire. Trinidad eventually became wealthy by importing slaves from Jamaica and putting them to work on local sugar plantations. The Valle de los Ingenios, just outside town, was home to several lucrative sugar plantations, and the money from these plantations helped build the town’s many mansions. In the early 19th century, Trinidad began losing ground to other cities in Cuba, and by the turn of the 20th century the city was in poor shape. In the 1950s, however, a preservation law helped to halt new development and the city was made a national monument in 1965. The historic center was restored and Trinidad was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.

These days, most sites of interest are set within the historic core. Plaza Mayor is the heart of this area. This park is lined with palm trees and wrought-iron benches. The Iglesia Parroquial de la Santísima Trinidad lines the plaza’s northeast corner. This cathedral dates back to the 19th century and hosts regular mass—be sure to stop by the church during Semana Santa if you’re around in late March of early April. You’ll see elaborate religious processions and enjoy a festive atmosphere.

A handful of museums surround around the plaza, as do a number of good restaurants and bars. On the north steps of Plaza Mayor you’ll often find music and dancing in the evening, hosted by the Casa de la Música. For more revelry, head to the Casa de la Trova or Casa de la Cultura, both of which feature musicians playing tunes that locals and foreigners can groove to. There are also a number of places to learn salsa and other traditional dances in Trinidad. After a lesson or two, head to the local dance halls to try out your moves.

The best museum in town is the Museo Histórico. The museum is set within a large, exquisite home and is dedicated to the history of Trinidad. You can see exhibits on sugar plantations and Afro-Cuban culture, and climb the museum’s watchtower to enjoy fabulous views of the city.

Trinidad has a number of excellent dining options. You can enjoy delicious traditional cuisine and creative culinary fusions in the town’s many paladares (privately-owned restaurants). These restaurants often feature live music.

Outside of Trinidad, visitors can enjoy a number of activities. The beautiful white-sand beach of Playa Ancón is a short drive away. This beach is a perfect place to soak up the sun and swim in the ocean. The mountains above Trinidad are home to the Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes, which hosts an assortment of excellent hiking trails, many of which lead to lovely waterfalls. And don’t forget about the Valle de los Ingenios—set just a few miles outside town, this valley was once home to some of the wealthiest sugar plantations in Cuba. Today, you can visit the remains of these plantations.

Do note that while Trinidad’s residents are just as friendly as everywhere in Cuba, they are slightly more forward about pushing restaurants or tours to visitors. If you’re not interested, a simple “no, gracias,” will do. ** ** ** **

Trinidad Personalized Trips

An Excellent Intro to Cuba, Cuba
Cuba
An Excellent Intro to Cuba

Customer Reviewed Our Cuba trip was excellent. During our trip we were met at the appointed times and all the tours were just as described and proved to be very interesting and joyful.

10 days $View Trip
History, Culture, and Exploring Nature, Cuba
Cuba
History, Culture, and Exploring Nature

Customer Reviewed Having Anywhere coordinate our trip to Cuba was amazing! We didn't have to worry about anything and always felt very safe and educated!

7 days $$$View Trip
Romance 101: Essentials of Cuba, Cuba
Cuba
Romance 101: Essentials of Cuba

Expert Choice Need a romantic overview of Cuba? Then this Signature Trip is for you. Assembled by Local Experts, this getaway is guaranteed to give you the ideal Cuban experience.

9 days $$$View Trip
Our Cuban Getaway, Cuba
Cuba
Our Cuban Getaway

Customer Reviewed I like the balance between learning from guides and having free time to explore. Daniel meeting us upon our arrival at Casa Prado Colonial was helpful. Giving us a . phone was a nice touch and made us feel cared for by Anywhere. We didn't feel completely on our won.

8 days $$$View Trip
 Tailored to Our Family, Cuba
Cuba
Tailored to Our Family

Customer Reviewed Our family was looking for a balance of beach fun, exotic nature, and experiencing the classical culture of Cuba for our two young adults. Anywhere delivered a tailor-made experience on this trip.

8 days $$$View Trip
See More Trips


Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 705 reviews
Trustpilot
Great Service!
We had a great experience with Anywhere Cuba. They really made our trip comfortable and were 100% available and collabor...
Feb 04, 2020
– Daniela R.
Trustpilot Rating
Another great trip
As usual, Anywhere provided a great and professional service both before and during our trip. Thanks!
Sep 06, 2019
– Sadie
Trustpilot Rating
Book with Anywhere! Easiest decision you'll have to make
Booking with Anywhere was the best decision we made. Our trip was absolutely amazing, everything we wanted, plus everyth...
Apr 26, 2019
– Stephanie
Trustpilot Rating
This service is outstanding
This service is outstanding. We had changes to be made, and they were done so with ease. All of the excursions and dri...
Mar 23, 2019
– Linda A
Trustpilot Rating
This was our third time using Anywhere…
This was our third time using Anywhere to help us create an adventure (Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba). As with our first two ...
Mar 15, 2019
– Brent Pat.
Trustpilot Rating
Great service that caters to the…
Great service that caters to the desires and wishes of their clients. We had the best vacation ever with this visit. Any...
Mar 07, 2019
– Bill
Trustpilot Rating
The Hidden Treasure of Travel Agency ( that shouldn't be anymore )!
Super pleasant, helpful, and knowledgeable staff! We plan to have them coordinate our next trips to the areas they ser...
Feb 15, 2019
– Mari
Trustpilot Rating
Best vacation of my life
Best vacation of my life! I told them the type of vacation and experiences I wanted and they somehow found the most perf...
Feb 08, 2019
– Lisa
Trustpilot Rating
Our First trip to Cuba
We had our first trip to Cuba in January. Juan and Daniel helped us plan the trip accommodating what we were most intere...
Jan 29, 2019
– Abby Elle.
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere.com is the best.
I would recommend Anywhere.com to anyone who is looking to travel to the destinations that they coordinate. I have been ...
Dec 17, 2018
– Robert
Trustpilot Rating
Great Experience in Cuba!
Initially was very hesitant to book with Anywhere since they are a smaller company but they really went above and beyond...
Nov 06, 2018
– Nina
Trustpilot Rating
Great Customer Service
We have now used the services of anwhere.com for trips to Cuba and Peru. I cannot endorse them strongly enough. Our expe...
Nov 01, 2018
– Peter Tes.
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere exceeded all expectations
Anywhere exceeded all expectations. Schedules were kept, accommodations were excellent and tours were very high quality....
Apr 25, 2018
– David Bet.
Trustpilot Rating

Let's Dream Together

Share your bucketlist to get inspiration and local connections.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.

Cuba Vacations
  • Beach
  • Culture
  • History
  • Romantic
Cuba Travel
  • Places to go
  • Things to do
  • Hotels
  • Maps
  • Getting around
  • Safety
ANYWHERE'S TOP SPOTS
  • Costa Rica
  • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica
  • Costa Rica Beaches
  • Machu Picchu, Peru
  • Cusco, Peru
  • Galapgos, Ecuador
  • Quito, Ecuador
  • Antigua, Guatemala
  • Ambergris Caye, Belize
  • Gladden Spit and Silk Caye, Belize
GET INSPIRED!
  • Our Safest Pick!
  • Family Vacations Made Easy
  • Best Tropical Beaches
  • Best Islands
  • Best Hot Springs
  • Cloudforests & Rainforests
  • Get into Nature
  • Mystical Destinations
  • Best Swimming Holes
  • Best Ruins
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2023 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy